New tertiary strategy targets key challenges

Providing more learners with skills that
industries need, building international linkages,
strengthening research-based learning, and performing better
for at-risk groups and second-chance learners, are all part
of the new Tertiary Education Strategy released today.

Speaking at the Higher Education Summit in Auckland,
Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven
Joyce today launched the Tertiary Education Strategy
2014-19. The Strategy sets the Government’s expectations
of the tertiary education sector for the next five
years.

Mr Joyce says the new Strategy is about
achieving faster progress with some of the key challenges
facing New Zealand learners in the 21st century.

“Our tertiary education sector must continue to adapt
and change to provide the skills and qualifications New
Zealanders will need to contribute in the labour market in
innovative and competitive ways,” Mr Joyce says.

The Tertiary Education Strategy 2014-19 sets out six
strategic priorities designed to encourage a more adaptable
outward-facing New Zealand tertiary education system that
makes the most of strong links with businesses, communities
and the world economy. They are:

“The
New Zealand tertiary education and research system has been
responding well to a real focus on achievement over the last
five years. Since 2008, there has been a rise in the number
of full-time student numbers, and we are seeing more
graduates than ever before, and at higher levels,” Mr
Joyce says.

“We have also seen more Māori and
Pasifika participate and achieve in higher level study.
Between 2009 and 2012, the rate of 18-19 year old Māori and
Pasifika participating in bachelors level study has
increased from 11 per cent to 13 per cent for Māori and
from 13 per cent to 16 per cent for Pasifika.”

“The number of apprentices entering industry training
is also on the rise with 10,000 new apprentices signing up
between March and December 2013, compared to the usual
annual new intake of 7,000. And more young people who have
not achieved in the classroom are succeeding in the Youth
Guarantee scheme with qualification completion rates for
learners in these programmes increasing from 48 per cent in
2010 to 64 per cent in 2012.”

Mr Joyce says the
challenges now are to more closely link what students are
learning with the needs of industry, encourage more
innovation and a more international outlook, and ensure that
all people have the opportunity and encouragement to gain
the skills they need to participate successfully in modern
life.

“The sector needs to move quickly to provide
more opportunities for students in ICT, engineering, science
and agriculture. There is an insatiable demand from
employers for graduates in these disciplines as the economy
grows,” Mr Joyce says.

“While we have made
important progress, we cannot afford to sit back and
congratulate ourselves on the results so far. We must
harness our momentum and ensure that the tertiary education
system is contributing to better and more relevant outcomes
for all.”

ALSO:

WorkSafe NZ has laid one charge against the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) in relation to the shooting at the MSD Ashburton office on 1 September 2014 in which two Work and Income staff were killed and another was injured. More>>

New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters has announced his intention to stand in the Northland by-election, citing his own links to the electorate and ongoing neglect of the region by central government. More>>

The Government has appointed 12 New Zealanders as members of the Flag Consideration Panel which will engage with the public about a possible new New Zealand flag, Deputy Prime Minister Bill English says. More>>

ALSO:

ALSO:

The first I knew of my mother’s charges was when I was called by a reporter yesterday. I spoke to Andrew and we agreed there is a conflict of interest at the present time which means I will temporarily stand aside from the Social Development portfolio. It’s the right thing to do… . More>>